Part I: The Moon-Hyuuga, Hinata

Full Moon

2 years after the Fourth Great Shinobi War.

I was walking around in the Hidden Leaf Village to get some adzuki bean bread. It was a cooler January afternoon, not as cold as it had been a few days prior. I looked to the right and found my favorite bakery called "Baked with Love" and headed inside. I quickly warmed up and the owner Matsumo, Kinuko greeted, "Oh Hinata-chan, we're so glad to have you come." "Arigatou-gozaimasu, Matsumo-oba-san," I smiled. "What can I get for you today?" she asked. "I would like four loaves of the adzuki bean bread, please," I requested and pointed to them. "Of course. Since you like it so much, I'll take 1,000 ren off your order today," she declared as she took a loaf and bagged it. "Oh no, that'll be unnecessary," I objected and waved my hands around. "It's all right, it'll just be for today," she grinned. She never lets me say no to her kindness. "Arigatou-gozaimasu, Matsumo-oba-san," I accepted and paid for the bread. "Just enjoy yourself and stay warm," she said and I waved to her.

I left "Baked with Love" and found a table outside to rest myself. Some snow was sprinkling to the ground and I looked up. The winter sky was calm and I looked for shapes within the clouds. I saw a particular cloud that looked like a house next to the sun and smiled. It reminded me of my name, Hinata. My name means "a place in the sun" and I heard from my chi-chi that when I was born in December, it was a cold winter, so my ha-ha wanted me to be a warm person when I grew up. She also found it interesting that the kanji in my first name is the same as my last name, Hyuuga. I remember when I first introduced myself during the first day of kindergarten and I shared what my name meant. One of the other students, Uzumaki, Naruto, thought it was cool, and I've always remembered that since then.

I was grateful for quiet moments like these when I could have a day off and spend it with myself: not having to justify my actions, not having to worry about misunderstandings, not worrying about others' expectations of me, not worrying about hardships going on in the world, counting my blessings, and reconnecting inner peace with myself. My friends Haruno Sakura-chan, Yamanaka Ino-chan, and Tenten-chan were probably spending time with each other, but I liked having time when I could just feel like I could be myself. It also made me wonder what Naruto-kun would be doing now. Since he was deemed the hero of the last Shinobi War, he had been assigned missions often and would be absent for several days or weeks at a time. He most likely is in another mission now, I haven't seen him recently.

I got up from the table and started walking back to my house. Since Ino-chan's flower shop "Yamanaka Flowers" was along the way, I made a stop towards it. "Konnichiwa, Ino-chan," I called as I went inside. I was surprised to see Ino's okaa-san at the counter. "Ah Hinata, it's good to see you. May I get you something, or did you want to see Ino now?" she asked. Oh dear, if she isn't here, there's no point in staying. "Mm, if she isn't here, I can just leave," I offered and started to turn away. "Oh no, Ino actually is here now, let me get her real quick," she stopped and left. If it doesn't bother her, I suppose I can wait. "Hey Hinata, what's up?" Ino-chan chirped. Whoa, she came suddenly. "Oh, n-nothing. I just wanted to say hi," I stammered and looked down. "That was awfully sweet of you to stop by to say hi," she smiled and rested her fists on her face. "So what's new?" I asked.

"Well, the store is a bit slower since it's winter and all, though there were a lot of sales going on during the New Year festival, that was crazy. It gets really annoying when we need a lot of flowers during this time since they have to be imported from other villages and that takes so much time to do. Oh yeah, the other day, there were these girls that were totally fighting about what some guy's favorite flower was, and he was standing there, with no idea what they were talking about. Most guys don't talk about that, more or less, admit even they have a favorite flower. I've seen that way too many times. And now we're setting up for Valentine's Day coming real soon, which really gets juicy," she went over and I nodded. I didn't mind listening to her, she always has something new going on with her life. "And speaking of Valentine's Day, you should get something for Naruto-kun..." "W-what?!" I exclaimed, taken aback by her suggestion. "Why would you suggest something trivial like that?" I questioned and started to feel warm on my face.

"Ah, you're doing it again! Gosh, you're so totally into him, why don't you just tell him and get it over with?" Ino-chan giggled. "Sometimes, being forward has helped me in the past when I flirt with guys and they totally like it," she mentioned and smirked. Really?

"Well, I have thought about making him some chocolates," I admitted slowly. "Perfect, I love your chocolates! Sakura-chan, Tenten-chan, and I love eating your chocolates every year, they're so good," she giggled again. "Also, we're going to have a sale on roses and carnations for Valentine's Day, but I can hook you up with a discount early so you can give some to him," she suggested while adjusting her fists on her jaw. "Umm, I might take your offer, but not yet," I gently declined, but still considered it. "Okay, let me know if there's anything I can help you with," she winked and I nervously laughed. "Okay, I will. I'm going to head out, but I hope you have a good day," I smiled. Ino-chan nodded and waved as I left the shop.

Oh my goodness, I can't believe Ino-chan suggested something like that! It is true that Valentine's Day is coming in a few weeks, but... Oh, never mind. I need to head home to eat the adzuki bean bread with Hanabi, my imouto. I ran all the way home.

"Yay, itadakimasu!" Hanabi exclaimed and took a bite. After I went home, I warmed up all the bread and gave two loaves each for Hanabi and myself. She brought some milk for us. I also took a bite. The sweet adzuki paste warmed my mouth and the milk afterward softened the bread to emphasize its creamy quality. The warmth of adzuki bean bread during winter makes me so happy every time I eat it. It's a faster way to enjoy adzuki bean soup when I find myself craving it.

After we ate it all, Hanabi and I left to our rooms. I was lying in my bed thinking about Valentine's Day and imagining what it'd be like if I gave Naruto-kun my chocolate and he accepted them. When that day comes, I'll be so happy. I feel asleep thinking about his smile.

Response to an anonymous review:

To Rhyming it up: Not at all, I think your rhyme was lovely. I lack murderous intentions against your thoughtful review; in fact, I thank you for it.